Terry Dunn, Wigan Council Boss Emails Staff About Job Losses, Boasts About Holiday

Sorry About The Sackings, But I'm Off On Holiday
Open Image Modal
Terry Dunn email
Getty

A council executive has apologised after emailing staff about job losses - and going on to boast about his forthcoming wedding and holiday.

Terry Dunn said he "meant no harm" by the email, which was to update hundreds of colleagues about proposals for job cutbacks in his department.

In a move that drew comparisons with David Brent, Dunn asked for their patience during consultations on possible job losses - but then his email changed course as he focused on his personal life.

Council bosses explained that senior managers had been asked to included personal details about themselves informally in e-mails at the request of staff.

Dunn wrote: "In the home front, off to a punk rock festival in Blackpool this Friday.

"The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers and the Buzzcocks are amongst the acts playing so those old enough may remember them.

"I am really looking forward to it as it forms a big part of my past.

"Wedding 6 weeks this Saturday followed by 2 weeks in Fuerteventura. Can't wait."

The council has previously said it needed to cut 200 jobs to save £18.8 million over the next financial year.

A spokesman for Wigan Council said: "Terry Dunn has been employed by Wigan Council since he was taken on as an apprentice and has worked at virtually every level of the organisation. He has known many of our staff for 20 years.

"These are tough times in local government. We're trying to communicate with employees as best we can while we go through difficult changes.

"In staff feedback sessions, employees have asked to learn more about senior managers so following that request they've been including personal details about themselves informally in emails. Since this began several months ago, the response from staff has been very positive.

"Terry meant no harm and is sorry if he's caused offence on this occasion. He has an excellent record of handling staffing issues seriously and sensitively."